Send us a text On this episode of the Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montañez sits down with Luisito Rosario, a dynamic salsa singer with over two decades of experience and a commanding stage presence. Born and raised in New Jersey to Puerto Rican parents, Luisito shares how the sounds of New York’s salsa legends inspired him to pursue a life in music. He reflects on his journey from his early days singing with local groups to being handpicked by the legendary Larry Harlow...

Send us a text 🎷 Episode 64: Mitch Frohman – Sax, Soul & Salsa Breakdown: Bronx native Mitch Frohman is one of the top saxophonists and flutists in the world, with a career spanning salsa, Latin-jazz, pop, and beyond. In this episode, host Adrian Montanez dives into Mitch’s incredible journey — from his early days in the Bronx, through decades on stage with legends like Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Machito, Eddie & Charlie Palmieri, and even crossing into pop with Paul ...

Send us a text Mario Díaz — Born in NYC of Cuban descent, Mario launched his career at De Witt Clinton High School as a dancer, percussionist, singer, and emcee. Since then, he has become a multifaceted entertainer, choreographer, and host across salsa, boxing, and cultural stages worldwide. He has emceed major events including the Dominican Salsa Congress, SOB’s, Havana Club, the World Salsa Championships, and Salsa ATL. As a dancer, Mario has performed at iconic venues such as Madison Squa...

Send us a text In this unforgettable episode, host Adrian L. Montañez sits down with salsa legend Rey Sepúlveda, whose voice helped define an entire era of salsa romántica and salsa dura. ✨ Highlights from the Conversation: Rey reflects on his roots, growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he shared his formative years and friendship with the future salsa icon Frankie Ruiz.Memories of his early career and his time with Orquesta Sociedad 76The stories behind some of his most iconic hits, i...

Send us a text In this unforgettable episode, host Adrian Montañez welcomes Antonio Hernández, the Puerto Rican sonero whose voice and journey have become part of salsa’s living history. Antonio reflects on his early years with Oro Negro and La Patrulla 15, before sharing the career-defining moment when he joined Tito Rojas y Su Orquesta in 1995. For more than 25 years, Antonio traveled the world alongside “El Gallo Salsero,” bringing Puerto Rican salsa to stages across Latin America, Spain, ...

Send us a text This week on Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montañez sits down with a true legend of Latin music: José Madera. With over 31 years performing with Tito Puente, José’s career spans decades of salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz history. 🌟 Highlights of the Episode: Machito Orchestra Days – José recalls his time playing in one of the most influential Afro-Cuban jazz ensembles that shaped New York’s Latin music scene.31 Years with El Rey (Tito Puente) – Stories from the band...

Send us a text Episode Description: In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montanez sits down with Hilton Bonilla — one of New York’s most respected salsa DJs and percussionists. Hilton opens up about: His years perfor ming with Tony Vega, La India, and Tito Rojas 🎶What it’s like to go from being a band percussionist to becoming a salsa DJWhy he launched his YouTube channel “Desde Mi Salita” and what fans can expectHis thoughts on the future of the salsa scene in New...

Send us a text 🎙️ Los Cuentos de Oro: Legendary Conguero Sammy García with Special Guest Tito Nieves! Get ready for a golden session of salsa history! Sammy García—renowned conguero and musical director for Charlie Aponte—joins us live from Puerto Rico with surprise guest Tito Nieves! 🎶 They dive deep into: ✨ The legacy of El Conjunto Clásico 🏙️ Wild nights in NYC salsa clubs 🎵 The RMM era and iconic studio sessions 📖 Stories of Johnny Pacheco, Pete "Conde" Rodríguez, and the South B...

Send us a text 🎙 Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast — Episode 59 Get ready for an action-packed episode! Host Adrian Montanez sits down for an exclusive interview with legendary actor Luis Guzmán to discuss his role in the highly anticipated Netflix thriller Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker. Also in this episode: ✨ A full review of Grupo Niche’s unforgettable night at Carnegie Hall ✨ Adrian’s behind-the-scenes experience on the Locked red carpet in NYC ✨ Highlights from the...

Send us a text Podcast Episode Summary: Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast“ A Journey with Edgar Joel In this salsa-packed episode of Mambo in the City Salsa, host Adrian Montanez sits down with the legendary Edgar Joel, one of the most recognizable figures in the golden era of salsa. Known for timeless hits like “Hasta el Sol de “and Hechizo de Luna, Edgar Joel takes us on an unforgettable journey through his storied career. From traveling the world alongside the iconic Johnny Pacheco to sh...

Send us a text Join me for Episode 57 of the Mambo In the City Salsa Podcast with special guest Izzy Rodriguez! We’re talking: His years with the Eddie Torres Mambo King Dance Company Unforgettable Tito Puente memories The legendary Monday Night Salsa Party at El Flamingo night club The iconic Wild Palm Nightclub and hiring the Legend Cheo Feliciano Plus, the upcoming "Baile De Los Salseros" at Co-Op City Ballroom March 1st! Salsa lovers, you wo...

Send us a text Episode 56: Luisito Ayala l In this captivating episode of Mambo in the City, host Adrian Montanez sits down with the legendary Luisito Ayala, the musical powerhouse behind The Puerto Rican Power. Established in the 1970s, this iconic orchestra has shaped the salsa landscape, especially under Ayala's direction as trumpeter and musical director. Join us as Luisito reflects on the band's rise to fame, from accompanying salsa giants like Héctor Lavoe and Cheo Feliciano to t...

Send us a text Eric Velez is one of the most respected Latino percussionists of his generation. He is of Puerto Rican descent, and was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Eric learned to play congas, bongos, and timbales at the young age of three with the assistance of his brother. His first musical performance was with Grupo Fascinacion at the age of fifteen. At the age of seventeen, Eric played with Eddie Palmieri and in 1993 made his first recording with Marc Anthony for the movi...

Send us a text Ready to get lost in the rhythm of Latin percussion? Legendary Latin percussionist Eric Velez steps into the spotlight in this Part 2 episode, taking us back in time to his early days with Marc Anthony's band, the thrill of performing at iconic clubs, and ultimately making the life-changing decision that would change his life musically forever. Listen in as Eric paints a vivid picture of a young musician exploring the world at just 18 years old. We continue our jou...

Send us a text It’s 6:30 p.m. on a beautiful Thursday evening in New York City, moments away from El Rumbero del Piano, Eddie Palmieri, taking the stage to perform at Bryant Park. I run into my friend, longtime promoter and music aficionado Manny Soba, and we chat about his years in the industry. Soon after, we are joined by fellow promoter Izzy Rodriguez, "Pequeño Johnny" Rivero, and pianist Marcus Persiani. We have a quick conversation just before Eddie Palmieri greets New York City live! ...

Send us a text Jimmy Bosch is a world-class salsa and jazz artist Trombonist, Director, and Vocalist, Performing in over 100 countries, and has been revolutionary in the New York style Afro Caribbean music known as “Salsa Dura” or Hard Salsa. Salsa Masters is performed by Bosch and his incredible band, Adan Perez, with Piano, and Background Vocals. Alex Apolo Ayala, Bass. Brian Pozo, Bongos, Bells, Background Vocals. Ricky Rosa, Timbales,Background Vocals. Jesus Muñoz, Congas. Dan...

Send us a text GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATED Percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel was born in Manhattan on November 22, 1953 of proud Puerto Rican parents; Chembo was raised in the humble streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was during these years, as a quick-witted youngster, that he had the privilege and honor to study with such percussion luminaries as, Tommy Lopez Sr., “Little Ray” Romero, Louie Bauzo, and Cachete Maldonado.Chembo honed his skills at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts...

Send us a text Ray Viera was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. During his childhood he grew up listening to the recordings of the great "Soneros", such as Hector Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Chamaco Ramirez and Marvin Santiago. Collectively, these artists inspired Ray to pursue his goals, combining their musical influences into his own vocal style and sensibility. At the age of 11, Ray was sent to live with his father in the "Barrio" of Philadelphia. Where he was exposed to man...

Send us a text The stories of Salsa Continue.. In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast: El Cantante Frankie Morales stops bye to shares stories of Joe Bataan, growing up around Ismael Miranda, Pete El Conde Rodriguez and the Club Corso, where he began singing coro for "El Cantante de Los Cantantes" Hector Lavoe! Frankie talks about growing up in El Barrio in New York City, working w/ Conjunto Clássico, travels with Ismael Rivera and Eddie Montalvo, Recording with Jimmy Sabat...

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